On the night of October 30, Russian armed forces launched a series of strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including power plants and transmission lines. These attacks, which have been observed in several regions over the past few weeks, are part of a broader pattern of efforts to disrupt the country’s ability to maintain essential services for its civilians. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has issued warnings regarding the long-term impact of these actions, particularly as the country prepares for its fourth consecutive winter under the conditions of ongoing conflict.
The HRMM, which is responsible for investigating and documenting human rights violations, has highlighted that the strikes are occurring at a critical time when many areas of Ukraine are already facing significant challenges to their electricity supply and heating systems. Civilian families, especially in regions where infrastructure was damaged during previous conflicts, are now at greater risk of experiencing prolonged power outages and limited access to heating, which could have severe health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. The situation is further complicated by ongoing supply chain disruptions and the slow pace of infrastructure repair efforts.